Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method for transmitting, by a user equipment (UE), data in a wireless communication system, the method comprising: establishing dual connectivity with a macro cell and a small cell, wherein the macro cell is controlled by a master eNodeB (MeNB) and the small cell is controlled by a secondary eNodeB (SeNB); after establishing the dual connectivity, receiving both a first indication and a second indication from the MeNB, the first indication indicating that a data transmission path of a signaling radio bearer (SRB) is to be configured only for the macro cell, and the second indication indicating that a data transmission path of a data radio bearer (DRB) is to be configured only for the small cell, wherein the received first indication includes a cell identifier (ID) of the macro cell for which the data transmission path of the SRB is to be configured, and wherein the received second indication includes a cell ID of the small cell for which the data transmission path of the DRB is to be configured; configuring the data transmission path of the SRB only for the macro cell based on the cell ID of the macro cell included in the received first indication; configuring the data transmission path of the DRB only for the small cell based on the cell ID of the small cell included in the received second indication; and transmitting data via the configured data transmission path of the SRB on the macro cell and the DRB on the small cell.
In wireless communication systems, user equipment (UE) often relies on dual connectivity to enhance data transmission efficiency by leveraging both a macro cell and a small cell. The macro cell, managed by a master eNodeB (MeNB), provides wide-area coverage, while the small cell, managed by a secondary eNodeB (SeNB), offers localized high-capacity connectivity. A challenge arises in efficiently routing different types of traffic—signaling and user data—across these cells to optimize performance and resource utilization. This invention addresses this challenge by enabling a UE to establish dual connectivity with a macro cell and a small cell. After establishing this connection, the UE receives two distinct indications from the MeNB. The first indication specifies that the signaling radio bearer (SRB) data transmission path should be configured exclusively for the macro cell, while the second indication designates the data radio bearer (DRB) path solely for the small cell. Each indication includes a cell identifier (ID) to clearly define the designated cell for each bearer type. The UE then configures the SRB path for the macro cell and the DRB path for the small cell based on the provided cell IDs. Subsequently, the UE transmits signaling data via the macro cell and user data via the small cell, ensuring efficient traffic separation and optimized resource allocation. This approach enhances system performance by leveraging the strengths of both cell types for their respective traffic demands.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the macro cell is included in a macro cell group.
A wireless communication system includes a macro cell group comprising multiple macro cells, each macro cell providing coverage to a geographic area. The system also includes a plurality of small cells, each small cell providing localized coverage within the macro cell group. The small cells are deployed to enhance network capacity and coverage in specific areas, such as high-traffic zones or areas with poor signal quality. The macro cell group coordinates the operation of the macro cells and small cells to optimize resource allocation, reduce interference, and improve overall network performance. The system may use techniques such as load balancing, interference management, and dynamic cell selection to ensure efficient use of available spectrum and maintain high-quality communication services for users. The macro cell group may also facilitate seamless handover between cells, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity as users move between different coverage areas. This approach enhances network efficiency, reduces operational costs, and improves user experience by providing reliable and high-speed wireless connectivity.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the small cell is included in a small cell group.
This claim refers to a method where a small cell (likely a miniature cell tower) is part of a group of similar small cells.
4. The method for claim 2 , wherein the received first indication further includes an index of the macro cell group, in which the macro cell is included, indicating the macro cell belongs to which macro cell group.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for managing macro cell groups in a network. The problem addressed is efficiently identifying and grouping macro cells to optimize network operations, such as handover decisions or resource allocation. The method involves receiving a first indication from a user equipment (UE) or network node, where this indication includes an index of the macro cell group to which the macro cell belongs. This index helps determine the specific macro cell group the macro cell is part of, enabling better coordination and management within the network. The macro cell group index allows the network to quickly identify related macro cells, improving efficiency in tasks like load balancing, interference management, or mobility procedures. The method may also involve additional steps such as determining the macro cell group based on the index or using the index to facilitate communication between the UE and the network. By incorporating the macro cell group index in the first indication, the system ensures accurate and timely grouping of macro cells, enhancing overall network performance.
5. The method for claim 3 , wherein the received second indication further includes an index of a small cell group, in which the small cell is included, indicating the small cell belongs to which small cell group.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to methods for managing small cell groups in heterogeneous networks. The problem addressed is the efficient identification and grouping of small cells to optimize network performance and resource allocation. In such networks, small cells (e.g., femtocells, picocells) are deployed alongside macro cells to enhance coverage and capacity. However, managing these small cells individually can be inefficient, especially when they are grouped for coordinated operations like interference management or load balancing. The invention describes a method where a network node receives a second indication from a small cell, which includes an index of a small cell group. This index specifies which small cell group the small cell belongs to, enabling the network to identify and manage the small cell as part of a larger group. The small cell group index allows the network to coordinate operations among multiple small cells, such as resource allocation, interference mitigation, or mobility management, more efficiently. The method may also involve the network node receiving a first indication from the small cell, which includes information about the small cell's capabilities or operational status, further aiding in group-based management. By associating small cells with specific groups via indices, the network can streamline operations and improve overall system performance. This approach is particularly useful in dense deployments where manual configuration of individual small cells is impractical.
6. A user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system, the UE comprising: a memory; a radio frequency (RF) unit for transmitting or receiving a radio signal; and a processor coupled to the RF unit and the memory, that establishes dual connectivity with a macro cell and a small cell, wherein the macro cell is controlled by a master eNodeB (MeNB) and the small cell is controlled by a secondary eNodeB (SeNB); after establishing the dual connectivity, controls the RF unit to receive both a first indication and a second indication from the MeNB, the first indication indicating that a data transmission path of a signaling radio bearer (SRB) is to be configured only for the macro cell, and the second indication indicating that a data transmission path of a data radio bearer (DRB) is to be configured only for the small cell, wherein the received first indication includes a cell identifier (ID) of the macro cell for which the data transmission path of the SRB is to be configured, and wherein the received second indication includes a cell ID of the small cell for which the data transmission path of the DRB is to be configured; configures the data transmission path of the SRB only for the macro cell based on the a cell ID of the macro cell included in the received first indication; configures the data transmission path of the DRB only for the small cell based on the a cell ID of the small cell included in the received second indication; and controls the RF unit to transmit data via the configured data transmission path of the SRB on the macro cell and the DRB on the small cell.
In wireless communication systems, user equipment (UE) often relies on dual connectivity with both a macro cell and a small cell to improve data throughput and reliability. However, managing signaling and data traffic efficiently between these cells remains a challenge. This invention addresses this by providing a UE that establishes dual connectivity with a macro cell controlled by a master eNodeB (MeNB) and a small cell controlled by a secondary eNodeB (SeNB). After establishing this connection, the UE receives two indications from the MeNB: one specifying that the signaling radio bearer (SRB) data transmission path should be configured exclusively for the macro cell, and another specifying that the data radio bearer (DRB) path should be configured exclusively for the small cell. Each indication includes a cell identifier (ID) to specify the respective cell for the SRB or DRB. The UE then configures the SRB path only for the macro cell and the DRB path only for the small cell based on the received cell IDs. Subsequently, the UE transmits signaling data via the macro cell and user data via the small cell, optimizing traffic distribution between the two cells. This approach enhances efficiency by separating control and data traffic paths, reducing latency and improving overall system performance.
Unknown
January 2, 2018
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